It's a rather incredible jazz album that often juts into tango (a la the Astor Piazolla influences) and an Afro-Cuban energy that can never be wholly replicated by white guys. There are great expanses of the regular piano-bass-drumstick drive, showcasing solos. But as leader Urcola himself says, 'Most of the tunes are based on dance rhythms from South America. That's why the cd is called Soundances. Like the dance of sound.'

Dance it does. And you've never heard a version of Miles Davis' 'Blue in Green' like this one. The beginning accordion alludes again to the opening 'Blues for Astor' yet pulls in a very sharp, muted trumpet to conflict serenely with the deep, dark jazz that ultimately envelops this entire track. Perfect.

I was foolishly going to review this cd at 10 in the morning. It's now 11 at night and I'm SO glad I waited. This is a night album. Its perfume is seductive, its vision is blurred by a few precious drinks. It is horny for the heat of passionate eyes.